New Zealand Posts Commanding Win Against Pakistan in First ODI

New Zealand responded with a big performance of their own in the first ODI against Pakistan, posting a dominant 73-run victory at Napier. They were spurred by a commanding century from Mark Chapman and an able four-wicket effort by Nathan Smith. Those efforts paid the difference as Pakistan struggled after being competitive for a large part of the run-chase.

New Zealand had a shaky start after being asked to bat first. Pakistan's fast bowlers struck early, reducing the hosts to 50 for 3. Naseem Shah got an early breakthrough by dismissing Will Young. Akif Javed then removed Nick Kelly and Henry Nicholls in quick succession. At that stage, New Zealand was under pressure, but Mark Chapman and Daryl Mitchell steadied the innings with a massive 198-run partnership. Chapman batted serenely at the start, scoring his fifty off 63 balls before upping the pace. He also took 31 more deliveries to score his century and ended with a career-high 132. Mitchell supported him ably with a equally well-timed 76, playing an important role in stabilizing the innings.

Pakistan were given a glimmer of hope when Irfan Khan dismissed both settled batsmen in successive overs. Though, debutant Muhammad Abbas also delivered an important cameo, hammering 52 runs from a mere 26 deliveries. His huge striking, 3 fours and 3 sixes, pushed New Zealand to an intimidating score of 344 for 9 from 50 overs. Pakistan fought their way in bowling middle overs. The lack of a specialist spinner cost dearly as the partnership of Salman Agha and Irfan Khan leaked 118 runs in their 10 overs. Contributing to their woes, Pakistan also leaked 43 extras, making things tougher for them.

Pakistan started their chase in good fashion with an 83-run partnership between Abdullah Shafique and Usman Khan. The two openers were solid, but their early dismissals turned the game in favor of Sri Lanka. Then Mohammad Rizwan and Babar Azam dominated, scoring 76 runs for the third wicket. The pitch had settled down for batting, and Pakistan were in control at 249 for 3 in the 39th over. But the match took a turn when Babar Azam, who had played a well-gritted 78, was bowled. His fall initiated a huge collapse, and Pakistan lost their remaining seven wickets for merely 22 runs.

New Zealand followed up that breakthrough and never let Pakistan recover. Muhammad Abbas impressed with the ball too, dismissing Rizwan with a crafty bit of bowling. Salman Agha attempted to revive the chase with a swift 85-run partnership with Babar, scoring 5 fours and 2 sixes. But after Babar's departure, New Zealand gained control at a rapid pace. Jacob Duffy had an important part to play when he ran out Tayyab Tahir and later bowled Irfan Khan in the same over. Nathan Smith finished off the tailenders by taking out Naseem Shah and Agha in the 44th over. Akif Javed was the last of Pakistan wickets, caught in the deep from the bowling of Smith, when Pakistan were bowled out for 271 runs in 44.1 overs.

New Zealand's solid bowling attack meant there was no fightback from Pakistan in the last hour. Nathan Smith was the best of the bowlers, taking 4 for 60. His vital blows in the second half of the innings ensured Pakistan could not mount a comeback. Pakistan's promising run-chase was foiled as they lost wickets in bunches when it really mattered.

New Zealand will be satisfied with their all-round show. Mark Chapman's stunning century and Muhammad Abbas' impromptu fifty set up a fighting total. Their bowlers came good when it mattered, topped by Smith. Pakistan will rue not capitalizing on a dominating position in the pursuit. They had the game at their mercy but failed to keep their nerve when it mattered most. They will have to sort out their bowling problems, particularly the absence of a specialist spinner, and reduce extras in order to do better in the remaining matches.

New Zealand is now leading the series 1-0. Pakistan will need to regroup soon and come up with a strategy to neutralize New Zealand's well-balanced attack if they are to remain competitive in the series. The following game will be important for the visitors as they seek to recover and tie the series. New Zealand, however, will seek to continue their momentum and win again to tighten their hold on the series.